Pack n play is the best thing since the invention of the crib or bassinet. It can be used for a plethora of things from changing your child’s diapers to putting them down for a nap, to playing with their toys.
You can also take pack n plays from place to place as they are designed for travel or at least some of them are. They come with a multitude of features like changing table pads included or wheels to make moving it from room to room easier. They also come in a plethora of colors for you to choose from.
Hence, pack n plays to make it easy for parents to take a small moment for themselves knowing their child is in a safe place where they can see them. We researched the best pack n plays for you to make your final selections from.
Let’s get started!
Editor’s Choice
The Lineup At A Glance
| Product | Colors | Changing table | Napper | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graco Playard | 4 | Yes | Yes | |
4moms Playard | 1 | No | No | |
Halo Dreamnest | 1 | No | Yes | |
Chicco Playard | 1 | No | No | |
Baby Bjorn Crib | 4 | No | No | |
Guava Lotus Crib | 1 | No | No | |
Summer Infant Pop Up | 3 | No | No | |
Milliard Mattress | 1 | No | No |
Top 8 Best Pack n Play Reviews
1. Graco Playard – Best Graco Pack N Play
Your little one will enjoy taking a nap in this playard!
- Affordable
- Cushiony mat
- Heavy
- Difficult to assemble
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This playard can act as a dual playard it can be used for your child to play in, nap in, and have their diaper changed. When your child grows too big for the Napper then you can start using the larger area below for them to sleep in.
It features a mat that allows babies to be held higher to the top so that they are able to play with the hanging toys above. As your child continues to become more active you can slowly lower the mat.
This playard is a little heavier than most because it has so many functioning features attached to it. Lastly, these features are designed to be interactive, engaging, and comfortable for your little one.
2. 4moms Playard – Pack and play crib
This playard was designed by moms for their little ones!
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to break down
- No bassinet
- No changing table
!
This playard is a playard that is as easy to take down as it is equally easy to set up. To assemble all you need to do is take one hand and place it in the center and push down until all of the legs lock into place.
When you are ready to collapse the playard simply pull the ring at the center up and everything will fold in on itself. Moreover, it features a travel bag for you to place it in and carry it with you.
Lastly, this version of the play center does not feature a bassinet or a changing pad. However, the plus version of this playard does have both of those features with it.
3. Halo Dreamnest – for newborn
If your baby loves to nap then this playard is the playard for them!
- Perfect for nap time
- 3-in-1
- Difficult to set up
- Not easy to pack
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This playard is one of the only playard son the market today that has an actual rocking feature. This feature will help to rock your baby into a gentle slumber time after time.
In addition, it allows parents to transition their child from nap time to playtime and back again with one simple motion. Both the mattress and playard are made of mesh material so that your child won’t overheat while they are in it.
This playard features a 3-in-1 design. It can be used as a rocking bassinet, like a playpen, and also as an open cot for your older children.
4. Chicco Playard – Pack n play crib
Chicco is a brand that delivers product after product!
- Affordable
- Compact
- Quality
- Heavy
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This playard is designed with the modern home for a modern family in mind. It is a compact playard and will fit anywhere you need it to in your home. The compact design also makes it easy to transport when your family is traveling.
It is made of a mesh material that allows for proper ventilation and airflow throughout the play yard so that your child doesn’t overheat. Lastly, it can easily be used as a safe napping place for your little one to sleep and play.
We also have a review on the best play yards here.
5. Baby Bjorn Crib – for travel
This Lightweight playard will make carrying it around an easy task to accomplish!
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Price
- No bassinet option
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With this playard, you won’t sweat at all trying to set the playard up. You can easily open the pack and play by using one hand and opening it in one simple swooshing movement.
Moreover, if you need to clean it don’t worry just take a warm soapy cloth to wipe the surface off. To clean the mat and fabric all you need to do is unzip the top and throw both into the washing machine on the cool gentle cycle.
Lastly, you can put the pack and play directly on the floor. And it features a built-in base that will keep the mat firmly in place without you worrying that it will move or slide around the floor.
6. Guava Lotus Crib – for newborn sleeping
Save lots of space by purchasing this compact playard!
- Lightweight
- Saves space
- Thin mattress
- Quality
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This playard features a backpack-like case that the playard can easily fold and fit in for its compact design. You can easily hold onto your child and break down and set up the playard with one hand while you are traveling.
This playard has a side door that unzips allowing parents the opportunity to climb within the play yard and cradle and cuddle with their little one whenever they would like too. It’s perfect for when you need to nurse your child.
This special side door also allows children the ability to crawl in and out of it as they would like too. Lastly, the mattress lays flat on the floor and the whole thing can be set up in a quick 15 seconds.
7. Summer Infant Pop-Up – Best pack n play 2023
If your an active family then you will love this made for outdoors pack and play!
- Great for outdoors
- Large
- No bassinet
- Not small
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This pack and play is a freestanding outdoor playpen for the family that loves taking part in outdoor activities. The dimensions of this playpen are 14 square feet, 48 inches high, and 26 inches tall.
In addition, the frame weighs in at a total of 12 pounds making its folding frame extremely lightweight. The frame comes pre-assembled and will pop-up within seconds after you take it out.
The mesh sides allow for optimal ventilation throughout the playpen and also allows your child to see everything going on around them. The travel bag has a strap making it easy to carry with you during travel.
8. Milliard Mattress- Best pack n play mattress
This mattress can fold and go just like your baby can go!
- Folds
- Lightweight
- Thin
- Needs 48 hours to expand
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This mattress is made of a high-density, high-quality Foam making it extremely comfortable for your child to lay on. It is the perfect balance between providing their bodies with support and being comfortable to lay on.
To transport the mattress simply fold the mattress in thirds and place it in the carry case that has been provided. It comes complete with a polyester cover making the mattress easy to clean in the event that a liquid accident occurs.
This mattress has passed all of the Certipur safety tests that it was put through. This mattress is not recommended for children that are still newborns and you should allow the mattress 24 to 48 hours to expand before using it.
Let’s look at some other play mats for your baby in our review.
What is a pack and play?
There has been an incredible amount of confusion when it comes to what a pack and play actually is. Some don’t see the real difference between the pack and play and say a portable crib or folding playpen. Well, we shall tell you what makes the pack and play a pack and play!
A pack and play is basically the same thing as a playard. However, what makes them different is that they are suitable for you to take with you while traveling and also suitable for you to place your child down in when they are taking a nap.
Graco was one of the first to coin the phrase ‘pack n play’, but now it is a term used by most baby product manufacturers. There are quite a few benefits to purchasing a pack and play. The first being that they are perfect for traveling.
Next, they are lightweight making carrying them an easy task. And lastly, they are easy to put together so you won’t have difficulty with them while you are traveling or within your home. Pack and plays are a definite necessity for you and your family!
How to choose the best pack N play
When you choose a pack and play you need to take into consideration quite a few varying factors before making your final purchase. One thing you should consider is safety reasons. Say you need to take a moment to collect your sanity you want to ensure your child is in a safe place where they can’t be injured or harmed.
Next, consider the toys that come with the playard. Some pack and plays have toys that allow your child to continue the development of their fine motor skills as they learn things rapidly the first year or so of their life.
You will want to consider the closeness that you can experience with a pack and play. Some have side zippers so that you can crawl inside and cuddle with your little one. A pack and play that is portable is a pack and play you need.
Being able to have a safe place for your child to rest their head while you are traveling will give you peace of mind when out and about. Lastly, you will want to consider a playard that can take on many different roles for you and your child. Keeping these things in mind will lead you to the right choice!
1. Safety
Pack and plays are the perfect place to put your child to keep them seperate from a rowdy toddler sibling or they can be placed here if you need to take a quick bathroom break. They are designed for your child to have a safe place to play and sleep without getting into anything while your cleaning the kitchen or something else that needs to be done.
2. Early education
Most come with toys that provide your baby with interaction and allow them to learn since they are constantly and quickly learning and catching on to new things each and every day. It will help them learn and fine-tune their developing gross motor skills.
3. Closeness
The pack and play allows you to keep your child close enough that you can keep a watchful eye on them no matter what you are doing. You can keep them in earshot as well while folding laundry. Them being so close will allow you to any safety issue or fussiness they may experience and some have side zippers that allow you to crawl inside and cuddle with your baby.
4. Portability
Pack and plays are the perfect cribs for travel. It’s part of the name you just pack it up and then assembly it easily when you get to your destination and it doubles as a playard and a safe place for your little one to sleep. They also are compact so that they don’t take up an excess of space inside your car.
5. Versatility
Parents love baby products that can be used for more than it is intended for and that way you get the most out of your original purchase. A pack and play that doubles as a crib, playard, and changing table is a triple threat. And means parents don’t have to haul around a bunch of contraptions to use for their child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this mattress good for a baby trend playpen 39.76” L, 27.96” W, and 27.96” H?
Yes, it will fit perfectly within the pack and play without leaving any hazardous gaps between the mattress and the playard.
Will this playard flip over easily?
No, it is sturdy and has a built-in base that will keep it securely in place wherever you set it up.
Is it hard to use on the beach?
It’s not hard to take to the beach, however, because sand sticks to everything it can be difficult to clean the playpen out.
If I fly with this playard do I have to check it with baggage claim?
Yes, because it is on the larger side of things so it won’t fit into the overhead compartment on an airplane.